Let's face it, sometimes dogs can be downright weird. But as any canine owner knows, a dog's quirks are part of what makes him so lovable. Still, there may be some particular behaviors that leave you scratching your head, so here are some explanations for some of the strange stuff you may see your canine doing.

Why does my dog run around the house like a maniac?
It's not uncommon for dogs, especially puppies, to take off running around the house seemingly at random. In some cases, it may be that your dog is letting out some pent up energy. If this seems to be the explanation, you might want to help him find a healthier way to move his legs. Perhaps you should take him for an extra walk at some point during the day, or bring him to a safe, enclosed area where he can run until his heart's content. If your dog exhibits this behavior whenever you get home from a long period out of the house, it may be a sign that he is suffering from separation anxiety in dogs. If so, you'll need to find ways to calm him while you are away through training.

Why does my dog chase his tail?
There's no shortage of funny videos online that show dogs chasing their tails, but what is the cause behind this behavior? As with the question above, it may be a sign of boredom. One way to treat this issue is to give him some toys that keep him entertained. There are some chew toys that can even help treat dental disease in dogs while stimulating the brain and keeping the body busy.

It may also be that your canine enjoys the reaction he gets from you when he chases his tail. As long as he seems to be enjoying the activity and isn't injuring himself, there's no reason to discourage him from a little spin session.

Why does my dog chew his paws?
If you notice your canine obsessively chewing on his paw, it may be that he's suffering from hot spots in dogs. This is typically a sign of anxiety, and can lead to dangerous health problems if left untreated. If you are worried that this is an issue for your canine, bring him to a vet hospital for proper treatment as soon as possible.

Why does my dog make weird inhaling noises?
Have you ever noticed your dog making a sort of honking, gasping noise? It may be alarming, but this is a common issue known as reverse sneezing in dogs. While this bizarre behavior can be caused by something as harmless as excitement or drinking water too quickly, if it becomes a common occurrence and is troubling to you, head to a vet clinic. Your pet may be suffering from allergies in dogs or some other ailment that causes reverse sneezes.

HOW TO REACH US

VCA Columbia Animal Hospital at Hickory Ridge

Phone: 410-730-2122

Phone: 301-596-5549

Fax: 410-992-9511

10788 Hickory Ridge Road

Columbia,
MD21044

BUSINESS HOURS

Mon-Fri 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Sat 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Sun Closed

Due to weather, we are closed today, March 5, 2015. We will re-open Friday, March 6, at 7 AM. We hope you and your pets stay safe and warm!

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